Books About Bikes

This collection of short stories takes you on a far-out romp through dystopian societies where you encounter futuristic bike messengers and witness urban races with life-or-death consequences. And that's only in the first 10 pages. Compiled by Bicycling contributor Elly Blue, Bikes in Space Volume II should please fans of feminist lit and science fiction alike—and anyone else who loves a fascinating tale.

Quote to Remember: "The sweet taste of victory is in the air, and it tastes more than a little like vegan maple donuts."

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Gear Geekery: The Bike Deconstructed

In The Bike Deconstructed, frame builder and cycling journalist Richard Hallett offers a visual celebration of the bicycle that you don't have to be a card-carrying bike geek to enjoy: The photos treat even mundane spokes as works of art, and the accompanying descriptions offer insightful details on everything from TIG welding to wooden rims. Hallett is sometimes more informative than entertaining, but his delight in the subject prevents the book from becoming tedious.

Quote to Remember: "Somebody once said of the derailleur: It's brutal, but it works."

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Inspiration: Mountain to Mountain

Shannon Galpin first traveled to Afghanistan six years ago to raise awareness for women's rights. She has returned 18 times to help build schools, support unjustly imprisoned women, and organize street art exhibits. She's also ridden across the country and helped foster the women's national cycling team. Her memoir, Mountain to Mountain, is an inspiring look at how one woman can become a pioneering voice for women's equality.

Quote to Remember: "Afghanistan allowed me to be fearless and to be vulnerable and to realize that both were sources of my strength."

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Children's Adventure: Eric's Big Day

Eric is on his way to watch a bike race and bring flowers to his friend Emily, but those plans hit a snag when he encounters several hapless cyclists. We won't spoil the ending, but Emily gets a really big bouquet at the finish line. Adapted from a French children's book, Eric's Big Day by Rod Waters is a beautifully illustrated, up-tempo adventure that teaches the value of helping others.

Quote to Remember: "Their wheels hummed, the birds sang, and Emily's flowers were still losing their petals when suddenly there on the hill was a cyclist."

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Inside Racing: Pro Cycling on $10 a Day

In this age of tell-all memoirs from cyclists popped for doping, Pro Cycling on $10 a Day by Phil Gaimon is a refreshing change—the only thing the author admits to is a cookie addiction. The book recounts Gaimon's transformation from a fat teenager, to a broke amateur, to being a member of the Garmin-Sharp squad. It's a witty, revealing look at cycling that will make you want to quit your job and start training for the Tour.

Quote to Remember: "Starting the Tour of California as my first pro race was like driving the Batmobile in a driver's license exam."

Since 2001. Books by or about Armstrong hold four of the top-five best-selling spots, and seven of the top 10. His memoir It's Not About the Bike has sold 1,275,538 copies (but sales are slipping). Source: Nielsen Bookscan

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